Things to do in Townsville

You’ll be surrounded by water in the Townsville region, from the crystal-clear Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef to tumbling waterfalls in lush national parks. Discover Townsville’s offshore jewel, the delightful Magnetic Island, or check in to an exclusive resort on secluded Orpheus Island.

Great Barrier Reef

Discover the secret side of the Great Barrier Reef with a day trip to dive or snorkel at remote, uncrowded reefs. The SS Yongala, one of the world’s best wreck dives, is accessible from Townsville or Ayr. You can even experience the Great Barrier Reef on land with a visit to Reef HQ near the city centre. It’s home to the world’s largest living coral aquarium, a turtle hospital and a number of conservation programs that the whole family will enjoy.

Islands

There’s an island for everyone close to Townsville: Magnetic Island for families, Hinchinbrook Island for adventure-seekers and Orpheus for couples. On family-friendly Magnetic Island, look for rock wallabies, and members of one of Australia’s largest colonies of wild koalas. Test yourself and hike the famous Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island; relax in absolute luxury or snorkel over a giant clam nursery on Orpheus Island. For the ultimate fishing adventure, take a helicopter to a deserted island for a private heli-fishing safari.

Nature and History

There’s plenty to discover on the mainland as well. Marvel at Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall that’s almost 270m tall, and visit one of the many national parks in the region. Hike up the goat tracks to Castle Hill, the striking pink granite monolith overlooking the town, or discover some of the other walking, hiking and mountain-biking trails that cover the region. The Townsville region also has a rich WWII history, including the Forts Walk on Magnetic Island and Jezzine Barracks on Kissing Point headland.

Located on the outskirts of Charters Towers, the Venus Gold Battery offers an insight into an amazing real life gold rush of the late nineteenth century. The Battery is of national cultural significance as the largest surviving Battery relic in Australia and the oldest surviving Battery in Queensland.

Skydive Cairns is an award-winning adventure tourism company, and a skydiving crew that takes professionalism to new heights, their unforgettable skydiving adventures invite you to leave your world and worries behind and experience the ultimate thrill of an adrenaline filled freefall.

Ghost Tours prides itself on upholding the motto 'Heritage and Hauntings'. They combine the unique experience of visiting Brisbane and South East Queensland's most historic haunted sites with the ancient art of story telling.

Housed in one of Townsville’s finest heritage buildings, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is a dynamic visual arts centre and has a significant collection of North Queensland art.
It is Townsville’s foremost gallery with an exciting and diverse program of local, national and international exhibitions, with a special focus on exhibitions featuring North Queensland artists.

Billabong Sanctuary offers Australia’s Best Interactive Wildlife Experience! Located just 20 minutes south of Townsville on Highway 1A , Queensland, it features native animals in natural habitats of eucalypt forest, rainforest and wetlands.

Welcome to Mission Beach Dive where they will create your Outer Great Barrier Reef Experience!
They can help you whether you wish to take your family snorkelling, a couples special dive or snorkel charter, advance your dive training and more.

Yongala Dive is a PADI Dive Resort offering a full range of Dive Courses, Dive Accommodation and Day Trips to one of the world's top dive sites- the historic S.S. Yongala Wreck.
In 1911 it sank without trace in a tragic cyclonic event.

Charley's is unique in Australia and one of only a few places in the whole world where you can experience the whole amazing journey of chocolate from “Cocoa Tree to Chocolate Bar”.
Here are some of the highlights of the tour:

Witness the majestic and historic Texas Longhorns on a horse drawn wagon ride or Safari - an experience like no other.
Take a traditional horse drawn wagon ride or Ranger Safari and a trip back in time, back to the 'Old West' to the time of the legendary Texas Longhorns.

JAM Corner Townsville, a popular and well known restaurant and function venue locally owned by chef/restaurateur Matt Merrin .
Their aim is to provide you with a taste of North Queensland while offering a warm and welcoming experience.